When observing the moon through a telescope, the best views occur not during the full moon but rather when it is half-lit or in a gibbous phase. This is due to the dramatic shadows cast across the lunar surface, enhancing the visibility of craters, mountains, and lava plains. Leslie Peltier, a renowned amateur astronomer, emphasized that the moon's beauty is best appreciated through low-power telescopes, which reveal intricate details along the terminator—the line separating the illuminated and shadowed parts of the moon. The first quarter moon, occurring on May 23 at 7:11 a.m. EDT, is particularly favorable for viewing, as it is only 1/11th as bright as the full moon, allowing for a more comfortable and detailed observation experience. Additionally, the gibbous phase, which lasts from the first to the last quarter, is the most commonly seen phase, often appearing full for several nights. The month will conclude with a 'Micro Blue Moon' on May 31, which will be the smallest full moon of the year due to its distance from Earth.